giraffe

noun

gi·​raffe jə-ˈraf 

plural giraffes

1

or plural giraffe : a large fleet African ruminant mammal (Giraffa camelopardalis) that is the tallest of living quadrupeds and has a very long neck and a short coat with dark blotches separated by pale lines

2

capitalized : camelopardalis

giraffish

jə-ˈra-fish 

adjective

Illustration of giraffe

• giraffe 1

Examples of giraffe in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

But staff suggest visiting the elephants, lions, giraffes and Tropical Discovery exhibit to spot some animals in action. —Alayna Alvarez, Axios, 22 Mar. 2025

The El Paso Zoo in Texas is accepting votes on what to name its newest baby giraffe until March 23. —Krystal Nurse, USA TODAY, 12 Mar. 2025

Other highlights include a lagoon where kids can splash and cool off, a zipline, train rides, and the chance to feed animals like giraffes and kangaroos. —Lisa Cericola, Southern Living, 27 Feb. 2025

During their game ride, the couple spotted a range of animals, including lions, giraffes, and rhinos. —Elizabeth Ayoola, Essence, 19 Feb. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Italian giraffa, from Arabic zirāfa

First Known Use

circa 1600, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing giraffe

• reticulated giraffe

Rhymes for giraffe

• behalf
• carafe
• digraph
• distaff
• falstaff
• subgraph
• autograph
• biograph
• cenotaph
• chronograph
• epigraph
• epitaph

Kids Definition

giraffe

noun

gi·​raffe ˈjə-ˈraf 

plural giraffes or giraffe

: a large swift cud-chewing spotted African mammal with a very long neck that is the tallest of living four-footed animals